Sandra Ash, NHS Campaigner & Artivist

KOSHH – Keep Our St Helier Hospital

Inspired by the poem by Michael Rosen. ‘These Are The Hands’ was written especially for the 60th Anniversary of the NHS. Sandra felt it was even more poignant in 2021 when the hands of staff and patients were entwined in the fear and emotion of the pandemic.

THESE ARE THE HANDS

These are the hands
That touch us first
Feel your head
Find the pulse
And make your bed.

These are the hands
That tap your back
Test the skin
Hold your arm
Wheel the bin
Change the bulb
Fix the drip
Pour the jug
Replace your hip.

These are the hands
That fill the bath
Mop the floor
Flick the switch
Soothe the sore
Burn the swabs
Give us a jab
Throw out sharps
Design the lab.

And these are the hands
That stop the leaks
Empty the pan
Wipe the pipes
Carry the can
Clamp the veins
Make the cast
Log the dose
And touch us last.